THIS VIDEO CAN BE SHOWN AT YOUR CHURCHES AS IT IS MORE THAN RELEVANT TO THE LESSONS. BE PATIENT AND WAIT TO UNDERSTAND ALL THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS AND ALL THE CONNECTIONS IN ORDER TO APPRECIATE THE POWER AND THE ATTENTION OF GOD, APART FROM THE EXTRAORDINARY IMAGES.
Click on the video at the bottom right for a totally enlarged screen, and connect the sound to powerful headphones and/or quality speakers. Find a Good Time, Be Amazed and Enjoy the Inspiration...PLEASE SHOW THIS VIDEO AT YOUR CHURCHES ON SABBATH AFTERNOON, BELIEVE ME IT WILL BE A HIT. SURELY IT WILL HAVE A BLESSED EFFECT ON THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE CHURCH. MAY GOD BLESS YOU EVEN MORE AND KEEP YOU IN A FRUITFUL FAITH IN HIM.
Click on the following links and open another tab for these playlists. Listen to sacred music while studying the lesson.
Heritage Singers sing to give glory to God in order to comfort you and strengthen your faith: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgnbF8BcALg&list=PLA6FC3F51B3D3592A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13U7QmSfmcI&list=PL5362507232EC2F63
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ8IRymyYVo&list=PL0B2EC328B1EBB04F
Wintley Phipps sings and gives glory to God in order to exhort you and encourage you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8HffdyLd0c&list=PL1F72C26656C325A9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMF_24cQqT0&list=PLF6E0F80C111634BB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVlAPL901Gk&list=PLA7473A1301242907
Search for an outlines of Acts 2 on www.google.com
OUTLINE of Acts 2 from http://executableoutlines.com/acts/acts_02.htm
I. THE OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT (1-4)
A. ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST (1)
1. A Jewish holiday, also known as the Feast of Weeks and Feast of
Harvest, one of three great annual festivals (cf. Lev 23:15-22; Exo 23:14-18; 34:22)
2. Fifty days after the Passover Sabbath, i.e., Sunday
3. They, most likely the apostles (cf. Ac 1:11,26; 2:7,14), were
gathered in one place
B. WITH AUDIBLE AND VISUAL SIGNS (2-3)
1. A sound from heaven
a. As of a rushing mighty wind
b. Filling the house where they were sitting
2. Divided tongues
a. As of fire
b. One upon each one of them
C. FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT (4)
1. Speaking with other tongues (known languages, cf. Ac 2:8,11)
2. As the Spirit gave them utterance
II. THE REACTION OF THE CROWD (5-13)
A. CONFUSED AND AMAZED (5-11)
1. The crowd made up of devout Jews visiting from other nations
2. The effect of what they heard
a. Drew the multitude together
b. Confused them, for everyone heard them speaking in their own
language
c. Amazed and marveled them, for those speaking were Galileans
d. Yet were hearing languages of the countries of their birth
1) Parthians, Medes, Elamites, dwellers in Mesopotamia
2) Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia
3) Egypt, Libya, Cyrene, Rome
4) Both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs
3. Hearing in their languages the wonderful works of God
B. TWO RESPONSES (12-13)
1. One of serious questioning: "Whatever could this mean?"
2. One of mockery: "They are full of new wine."
III. THE EXPLANATION BY PETER (14-21)
A. THEY WERE NOT DRUNK (14-15)
1. Standing up with the eleven, Peter addresses the crowd
2. It was too early in the day ("third hour", i.e., 9 a.m.) for
them to be drunk
B. THE FULFILLMENT OF JOEL'S PROPHECY (16-21)
1. The events were those prophesied by Joel (cf. Joel 2:28-32)
2. Which foretold of the outpouring of the Spirit
a. In the last days on all flesh
b. Leading sons and daughters to prophesy, young men to see
visions, and old men to dream dreams
c. With signs and wonders in heaven above and earth beneath
before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord
d. With salvation to those who call upon the name of the Lord
IV. THE SERMON BY PETER (22-36)
A. PROPOSITION: GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD (22-24)
1. Jesus, a man attested to by miracles, signs and wonders
a. Done by God in their midst
b. Which they themselves knew
2. Jesus, crucified and put to death
a. According to the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God
b. Which they did by lawless hands (via the Romans)
3. Jesus, whom God raised from the dead
a. Having loosed the pains of death
b. For it was not possible that He should be held by it
B. EVIDENCE: THREEFOLD TESTIMONY (25-35)
1. The testimony of David
a. For David prophesied of Jesus (cf. Ps 16:8-11)
b. David could not be speaking of himself
1) For he was dead and buried
2) With his tomb for all to see
c. But spoke as a prophet
1) He knew that God had sworn with an oath that one of his
descendants would be raised to sit on his throne
2) He therefore spoke of the resurrection of Christ, whose
soul was not left in Hades nor did His flesh see
corruption
2. The testimony of the apostles
a. They were witnesses
b. That God raised Jesus
3. The testimony of the Spirit's outpouring
a. Jesus poured forth what they saw and heard
1) Having been exalted to the right hand of God
2) Having received from the Father the promise of the Holy
Spirit
b. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but prophesied of
the Lord (Ps 110:1)
1) Who would sit at God's right hand
2) Until His enemies became His footstool (cf. 1Co 15: 25-26)
C. CONCLUSION: JESUS IS LORD AND CHRIST (36)
1. All the house of Israel were to "know assuredly" (i.e., believe
with all their hearts)
2. That God made Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ
V. THE CONVERSION OF 3000 SOULS (37-41)
A. THE RESPONSE OF THE LISTENERS (37)
1. They were cut to the heart
2. They said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and
brethren, what shall we do?"
B. THE REPLY BY PETER (38-39)
1. Two commands
a. Repent
b. Let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
2. Two promises
a. For the remissions of sins
b. You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
3. The extent of the promise
a. To them and their children
b. To all who afar off, as many as the Lord will call
C. THE RESULTS RECORDED BY LUKE (40-41)
1. After Peter with many other words testified and exhorted them:
"Be saved from this perverse generation"
2. Those who gladly receive his word were baptized
3. That day about 3000 were added (cf. Ac 2:47)
VI. THE BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH (42-47)
A. THEIR STEADFASTNESS AND REVERENCE (42-43)
1. They continued steadfastly in:
a. The apostles' doctrine and fellowship
b. The breaking of bread and prayers
2. Fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done
through the apostles
B. THEIR CHARITY AND GROWTH (44-47)
1. Those who believed were together and had all things in common
a. Those with possessions and goods sold them
b. Dividing them among all according to their need
2. They continued daily with one accord in the temple
3. Breaking bread from house to house, eating with gladness and
simplicity of heart
4. Praising God and having favor with all the people
5. The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved
OUTLINE of Acts 9 from http://executableoutlines.com/acts/acts_09.htm
I. CONVERSION OF SAUL (1-31)
A. THE APPEARANCE ON THE ROAD (1-9)
1. Saul granted authority by the high priest
a. While aggressive in persecuting disciples of the Lord
b. With letters to the synagogues in Damascus
c. To find those of "the Way" and bring them bound to Jerusalem
2. The Lord's appearance on the road to Damascus
a. Approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven shone
around him
b. Falling to the ground, he hears a voice: "Saul, Saul, why
are you persecuting Me?"
c. When he asks, "Who are you, Lord?", he is told:
1) "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."
2) "It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
d. When asked what to, he is told:
1) "Arise, go into the city."
2) "You will be told what you must do."
e. His companions stand speechless, hearing a voice but seeing
no one
3. Saul's arrival in Damascus
a. Getting up, he sees no one
b. His companions lead him by the hand into the city
c. There he waits for three days, without sight, neither eating
or drinking
B. THE ARRIVAL OF ANANIAS (9-19)
1. The Lord appears in a vision to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus
a. Instructed to go to house of Judas on the street called
Straight
1) Where Saul is praying and has seen a vision in which
Ananias restores his sight
2) Ananias is reluctant, knowing of Saul's persecution of
the saints
b. Ananias is commanded to go, for Saul is a chosen vessel
1) Who will bear the Lord's name before Gentiles, kings, and
the children of Israel
2) Who will be shown how many things he must suffer for His
name's sake
2. Ananias goes to Saul
a. Laying hands on Saul as he explains his purpose in coming
1) That Saul might receive his sight
2) And be filled with the Holy Spirit
b. Saul's sight is immediately restored, and is baptized
c. He resumes eating and spends some days with the disciples
C. THE MINISTRY IN DAMASCUS (20-25)
1. Saul immediately preaches Christ as the Son of God in the
synagogues
a. To the amazement of all who heard and knew his background
1) How he destroyed those in Jerusalem who called on His
name
2) How he came to Damascus to bring them bound to the chief
priests
b. He increases in strength
1) Confounding the Jews who dwelt in Damascus
2) Proving that Jesus is the Christ
2. Saul is forced to leave Damascus
a. After many days, the Jews plot to kill him
b. When the plot is revealed, they watch the gates day and
night to kill him
c. The disciples help Saul escape at night by letting him over
a wall in a basket
D. THE VISIT TO JERUSALEM (26-31)
1. Saul joins himself to the disciples
a. Though at first they were afraid and did not believe him
b. Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them:
1) How he had seen the Lord on the road, who spoke to him
2) Of his bold preaching in Damascus
c. Saul is accepted and circulates freely among the disciples
in Jerusalem
2. Saul is forced to leave Jerusalem
a. He speaks boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus
1) Disputing against the Hellenists
2) Who attempt to kill him
b. The brethren learn of the attempt to kill Saul
1) They bring him down to Caesarea
2) They send him to Tarsus
II. MIRACLES OF PETER (32-43)
A. THE HEALING OF AENEAS (32-35)
1. Peter comes to the saints in Lydda
2. He meets Aeneas, paralyzed and bedridden for eight years
3. Peter tells him that Jesus Christ heals him, and he arose
immediately
4. All who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the
Lord
B. THE RAISING OF DORCAS (36-43)
1. At Joppa, a certain disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas) dies
a. A woman full of good works and charitable deeds
b. Her body was washed and laid in an upper room
c. Two men were sent to Peter in nearby Lydda
2. Peter raises Dorcas from the dead
a. He is brought to the upper room, where weeping widows showed
garments by Dorcas
b. Sending the widows out, Peter kneels down and prays
c. Telling her "Tabitha, arise", she opened her eyes and sat up
d. Peter presents her alive to the saints and widows
e. As it became known throughout Joppa, many believed on the
Lord
3. Peter remains in Joppa with Simon, a tanner
OUTLINE of Acts 10 from http://executableoutlines.com/acts/acts_10.htm
I. CORNELIUS SENDS FOR PETER (1-33)
A. CORNELIUS AND HIS VISION (1-8)
1. Cornelius introduced
a. A certain man in Caesarea, centurion of the Italian Regiment
b. A devout man who feared God with all his family
c. Who gave alms generously and prayed always
2. Cornelius' vision
a. About the ninth hour of the day he sees an angel of God
b. Who tells him his prayers and alms have come up for a
memorial before God
c. He is told to send for Peter, who is lodging with Simon the
tanner in Joppa
3. Cornelius' action
a. Calls for two of his servants and a devout soldier
b. Tells them what happened and sends them to Joppa
B. PETER AND HIS VISION (9-23)
1. Peter has a vision
a. The next day Peter goes to the housetop to pray, about the
sixth hour
b. Hungry, he falls into trance while food was being prepared
c. He sees a great sheet bound at the four corners
1) Descending down to the earth
2) With all kinds of animals, wild beasts, creeping things,
and birds
d. He is told to kill and eat
1) He protests that he is never eaten anything common or
unclean
2) He is told "What God has cleansed you must not call
common"
e. This was done three times, and then it was taken back into
heaven
2. Peter summoned to Caesarea
a. As he wondered what the vision meant, the men from Cornelius
arrive
b. The Spirit tells Peter to go with them, doubting nothing
c. Peter hears their story about Cornelius, and provides them
lodging
d. The next day Peter leaves with them, accompanied by some
brethren
C. PETER MEETS CORNELIUS (24-33)
1. Cornelius welcomes Peter
a. Waiting for Peter with family and close friends
b. Falling down at Peter's feet, he is told to stand up
2. Peter explains his presence
a. It was unlawful for a Jew to keep company with those of
another nation
b. But God has shown him not to call any man common or unclean
c. So he came without objection, and is ready to hear why they
sent for him
3. Cornelius recounts his vision
a. Which occurred four days previously, while he fasted and
prayed
b. When he was visited by a man in bright clothing and told to
send for Peter
c. So they are all present to hear whatever God has commanded
Peter to say
II. THE CONVERSION OF THE GENTILES (34-48)
A. PETER'S SERMON (34-43)
1. Introductory remarks
a. He sees that God shows no partiality
b. In every nation whoever fears God and works righteousness is
accepted by Him
2. The ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus
a. God sent Jesus, Lord of all, to the children of Israel,
preaching peace (as they know)
1) Beginning from Galilee after the baptism of John
2) Proclaiming throughout all Judea
b. God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power
1) Who went about doing good
2) Healing all who were oppressed by the devil
3) Witnessed by Peter and those who came with him
c. God raised Jesus from the dead
1) Who was killed by hanging on the tree
2) Raised the third day, and shown openly to witnesses
chosen before by God
3) Who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead
3. Concluding remarks
a. Peter and others were commanded to testify that Jesus was
ordained to the Judge of the iving and the dead
b. All the prophets witness to Jesus, that through His name
whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins
B. THE HOLY SPIRIT FALLS ON THE GENTILES (44-48)
1. The Holy Spirit's action
a. He fell upon all those who heard the word
b. Those of the circumcision who believed were astonished
because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on
the Gentiles also
c. They heard them speak with tongues and magnify God
2. Peter's reaction
a. Questions whether anyone can forbid water baptism for those
who received the Spirit just like they have
b. Commands them to be baptized in the name of the Lord
c. Invited to stay a few days
OUTLINE of Acts 11 from http://executableoutlines.com/acts/acts_11.htm
I. CONVERSION OF THE GENTILES DEFENDED (1-18)
A. PETER CHALLENGED BY JEWISH CHRISTIANS (1-3)
1. Apostles and brethren in Judea hear that Gentiles received the
Word of God
2. Peter challenged upon his return to Jerusalem
a. Those of the circumcision contend with him
b. They accuse him of eating with the uncircumcised
B. PETER RECOUNTS THE GENTILES' CONVERSION (4-18)
1. He explains the events in the order in which they occur
a. His vision in Joppa with the sheet and the unclean beasts
b. The voice from heaven: "What God has cleansed you must not
call common."
c. The arrival of men from Caesarea at the conclusion of the
vision
d. The Spirit telling him to go with them, accompanied by six
brethren
e. How Cornelius was told to by an angel to send for Peter who
would tell him words by which they would be saved
f. How as he began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on the
Gentiles just as upon the apostles
at the beginning
2. Peter's reaction to the events
a. He remembered the Lord's promise of the baptism of the Holy
Spirit
b. He reasoned that if Gentiles received the same promise as
they did when they believed, who was he to stand in God's
way?
3. The reaction by those who heard Peter's account
a. They became silent, and then glorified God
b. They concluded that God has granted Gentiles repentance to
life
II. THE MINISTRY OF BARNABAS AND SAUL (19-30)
A. THEIR WORK IN ANTIOCH (19-26)
1. Those scattered by persecution preach the word
a. They travel as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,
preaching only to the Jews
b. Some from Cyprus and Cyrene preach to the Hellenists in
Antioch
2. They enjoy great success in Antioch
a. The hand of the Lord is with them
b. A great number believe and turn to the Lord
3. Barnabas arrives in Antioch
a. Sent by the church in Jerusalem
b. Glad to see the grace of God
c. Encouraging them to continue with the Lord with purpose of
heart
d. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith
e. A great many people are added to the Lord
4. Saul arrives in Antioch
a. Brought from Tarsus by Barnabas
b. Assembling with the church for a whole year, teaching a
great many people
c. The disciples are first called Christians in Antioch
B. THEIR WORK IN JUDEA (27-30)
1. Prompted by prophets coming from Jerusalem to Antioch
2. Agabus shows by the Spirit that there will be a famine
3. The disciples determine to send relief to brethren in Judea
4. They send it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul
OUTLINE of Acts 12 from http://executableoutlines.com/acts/acts_12.htm
I. THE PERSECUTION BY HEROD THE KING (1-19)
A. JAMES KILLED WITH THE SWORD (1-2)
1. Herod begins to harass some from the church
2. He killed James the brother the John
B. PETER ARRESTED, FREED BY AN ANGEL (3-19)
1. Peter seized during the days of Unleavened Bread
a. Since Herod saw that it pleased the Jews
b. Intending to bring Peter before the people after Passover
2. Peter released by an angel
a. Constant prayer was being offered by the church
b. Though bound with chains between two guards, with more
before the door
c. An angel stands before Peter, along with a shining light
d. The angel strikes Peter on the side, and raises him; chains
fell off
e. Told to gird himself, tie his sandals, put on his garments,
and follow
f. Thinking it was a vision, Peter follows the angel past the
guards and into the city
3. Peter rejoined with his brethren
a. He realizes that the angel has delivered him from Herod
b. He comes to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, where
many are praying
c. He is first left standing at the door by Rhoda, then
astonishes the brethren when they come to the door
d. He relates what happened, sends word to James and the
brethren, and departs
4. Peter's release causes a stir
a. Herod is unable to find Peter
b. Herod examines the soldiers and has them put to death
c. Herod leaves Judea and goes to Caesarea
II. THE DEATH OF HEROD THE KING (20-25)
A. HIS LAST ORATION (20-22)
1. The people of Tyre and Sidon appeal for peace to Herod through
Blastus, the king's aide
2. On a set day, in royal apparel and on his throne, Herod gives
them an oration
3. The people praise him as having the voice of a god and not of a
man
B. STRUCK DOWN BY AN ANGEL (23)
1. An angel of the Lord strikes him immediately because he did not
give glory to God
2. He is eaten of worms and dies
C. WORD OF GOD CONTINUES (24-25)
1. The word of God grows and multiplies
2. Barnabas and Saul return from Jerusalem with John Mark,
fulfilling their ministry
Lesson& References Index
From www.ssnet.org http://www.ssnet.org/lessons/13c/helps/lesshp02.html
Lesson 2 – July 6-12
Prayer: The Heartbeat of Revival
(All Bible texts are in the NKJV Bible unless otherwise indicated)Sabbath Afternoon
Memory text: Matthew 7:11
11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!In the Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
“A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer.”-Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 1, p. 121.
From www.cqbiblestudy.org
Introduction The Power of Prayer to Revive
2 Chron. 7:12, 14; Acts 1:12–14; 2:42; 4:31
How can we personally, and the church as a whole, experience revival? One way is to set a special time each day for personal prayer and Bible study. We can claim the promise of God in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “ ‘If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land’ ” (NKJV).
Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, Book 1, pp. 121-2
A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our heavenly Father is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us His blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer. While the people are so destitute of God’s Holy spirit, they cannot appreciate the preaching of the Word; but when the Spirit’s power touches their hearts, then the discourses given will not be without effect. Guided by the teachings of God’s Word, with the manifestation of His Spirit, in the exercise of sound discretion, those who attend our meetings will gain a precious experience, and returning home, will be prepared to exert a healthful influence.The old standard bearers knew what it was to wrestle with God in prayer, and to enjoy the outpouring of His Spirit. But these are passing off from the stage of action; and who are coming up to fill their places? How is it with the rising generation? Are they converted to God? Are we awake to the work that is going on in the heavenly sanctuary, or are we waiting for some compelling power to come upon the church before we shall arouse? Are we hoping to see the whole church revived? That time will never come.
There are persons in the church who are not converted, and who will not unite in earnest, prevailing prayer. We must enter upon the work individually. We must pray more, and talk less. Iniquity abounds, and the people must be taught not to be satisfied with a form of godliness without the spirit and power. If we are intent upon searching our own hearts, putting away our sins, and correcting our evil tendencies, our souls will not be lifted up unto vanity; we shall be distrustful of ourselves, having an abiding sense that our sufficiency is of God.
Sunday – Prayer and Revival in Acts
Read Acts 2
Acts 2:41
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.Acts 4:4
4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.Acts 6:7
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.Read Acts 9
Acts 9:31
31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.Read Acts 10 to 12
Acts 1:13
13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James.Acts 1:15
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,Acts 1:4
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;Acts 1:8
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”Acts 1:14
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.Acts 2:42
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.Acts 4:31-33
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
Acts 6:3-4
3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
In the Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
Pastor R. A. Torrey was a powerful revival preacher in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He conducted revival meetings in Great Britain from 1903-1905 and throughout North America in 1906 and 1907. Lamenting the busyness of Christians, he stated, “We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions, much machinery but few results.”
From www.cqbiblestudy.org
...God’s generosity is witnessed through the wisdom He gave to Solomon.
The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “ ‘Ask! What shall I give you?’ ” (verse 5, NKJV). What a question! It teaches us that God, the Creator of the universe, is willing to give us our heart’s desire and that He has the ability to do so. Solomon replied, “ ‘Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?’ ” (verses 7–9, NKJV). A discerning heart (wisdom) was Solomon’s most important asset as king.
Monday – Jesus’ Prayer Life
Mark 1:35
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.Luke 5:16
16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.Luke 9:18
18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”Ellen G. White, The Review and Herald, Aug. 11, 1910
Christ was continually receiving from the Father, that he might communicate to us. “The word which ye hear,” he said, “is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Not for himself, but for others, he lived and thought and prayed. From hours spent with God he came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily he received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of the new day the Lord awakened him from his slumbers, and his soul and his lips were anointed with grace, that he might impart to others. His words were given him fresh from the heavenly courts, words that he might speak in season to the weary and oppressed. “The Lord God hath given me,” he said, “the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.”Christ’s disciples were much impressed by his prayers and by his habit of communion with God. One day after a short absence from their Lord, they found him absorbed in supplication. Seemingly unconscious of their presence, he continued praying aloud. The hearts of the disciples were deeply moved. As he ceased praying, they exclaimed, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
In answer, Christ repeated the Lord’s prayer, as he had given it in the sermon on the mount. Then in a parable he illustrated the lesson he desired to teach them.
“Which of you,” he said, “shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I can not rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.”
Here Christ represents the petitioner as asking that he may give again. He must obtain the bread, else he can not supply the necessities of a weary, belated wayfarer. Though his neighbor is unwilling to be troubled, he will not desist his pleading; his friend must be relieved. At last his importunity is rewarded, and his wants are supplied.
In like manner the disciples were to seek blessings from God. In the feeding of the multitude and in the sermon on the bread from heaven, Christ had opened to them their work as his representatives. They were to give the bread of life to the people. He who had appointed their work, saw how often their faith would be tried. Often they would be thrown into unexpected positions, and would realize their human insufficiency. Souls that were hungering for the bread of life would come to them, and they would feel themselves to be destitute and helpless. They must receive spiritual food, or they would have nothing to impart. But they were not to turn one soul away unfed. Christ directs them to the source of supply. The man whose friend came to him for entertainment, even at the unseasonable hour of midnight, did not turn him away. He had nothing to set before him, but he went to one who had food, and pressed his request, until the neighbor supplied his need. And would not God, who had sent his servants to feed the hungry, supply their need for his own work?
But the selfish neighbor in the parable does not represent the character of God. The lesson is drawn, not by comparison, but by contrast. A selfish man will grant an urgent request, in order to rid himself of one who disturbs his rest. But God delights to give. He is full of compassion, and he longs to grant the requests of those who come unto him in faith. He gives to us that we may minister to others, and thus become like himself.
Christ declares: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
John 17:20-24
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
Luke 9:29
29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.In Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
“Christ was continually receiving from the Father, that he might communicate to us. ‘The word which ye hear,’ he said, ‘is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.’ ‘The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.’ Not for himself, but for others, he lived and thought and prayed. From hours spent with God he came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily he received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of the new day the Lord awakened him from his slumbers, and his soul and his lips were anointed with grace, that he might impart to others.”-Ellen G. White, The Review and Herald, Aug. 11, 1910.
www.cqbiblestudy.org
Logos Effective Prayer
Ps. 85:6; Matt. 18:19, 20; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 9:18; 22:39–46; Acts 1:4, 8; 2:42; 4:31; 12:1–16; Phil. 4:6; 2 Pet. 3:9
Monday JULY 8Prayer and Revival in Acts (Acts 1:4, 8; 2:42; 4:31)
...‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’ ” (Acts 1:8, NIV).
Prayer is one of the church’s most vital resources.
Jesus’ Prayer Life (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 9:18)
...What did Jesus pray for? In Matthew 26:36–44, we read that He prayed to God not to let Him die if it were at all possible. However, He also prayed at the same time that His Father’s will be done. In Luke 22:32, we learn that Jesus told Simon Peter that He had prayed for Peter’s faith not to fail. And in John 17:20, we learn that Jesus prayed “ ‘not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony’ ” (NLT). What a loving Savior we have. He prayed for us even as He faced death.
Praying Together (Matt. 18:19, 20; Luke 22:39–46; Acts 12:1–16)
...If “ ‘two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven’ ” (NJKV).
God’s Will (Phil. 4:6; 2 Pet. 3:9)
...My mother told me that when I prayed, God would answer. However, she never told me that God can answer with a “Yes,” a “No,” or a “Wait.” He invites us to let our “requests be made known to” Him (Phil. 4:6, NKJV). However, never forget that He knows best what we need.
Prayer Works! (Ps. 85:6)
“During a visit to London, England, D. L. Moody received an invitation to speak at a morning and evening service in a large church. Although the church was packed at the morning service, the people did not appear to respond. Moody said, ‘They seemed as though carved out of stone or ice.’ He found himself wishing he had not promised to speak again that evening.
“The church was filled again for the evening service, but again without any apparent interest until about halfway through the sermon things began to change. At the close of the message Moody gave an invitation, and the response was spontaneous. People got up in groups and came forward. Moody turned to the host pastor and whispered, ‘What does this mean?’
“The reaction had been so overwhelming that Moody thought the people had misunderstood his invitation. He made a careful announcement about an after-meeting, and all those who had come forward stayed. It was the beginning of a genuine revival. Moody’s question, ‘What does this mean?’ had its answers when he discovered that an invalid member of the congregation had been praying for two years that God would send Moody to their church in London.”* What an amazing story of revival! God works in mysterious ways. With the psalmist, let us pray: “Won’t you revive us again, / so your people can rejoice in you?” (Ps. 85:6, NLT).
* George E. Knowles, A World To Love (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald®, 1990), p. 224.
Tuesday - Praying Together
Matthew 17:1-2
1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves;2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.Luke 22:39-46
39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46 Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”
Matthew 18:19-20
19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”Ellen G. White, The Central Advance, Feb. 25, 1903
As a people, we have received great light. This light the Lord has entrusted to us for the benefit and blessing of the world. To us has been given the ministry of reconciliation. With power from on high we are to beseech men to be reconciled to God. We are encouraged to pray for success, and we are given the divine assurance that our prayers will be heard and “if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” “Ask of Me, and I will answer your requests.”The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of God’s people are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for God and for one another.
No one lives to himself. In God’s work each one is assigned a post of duty. The union of all strengthens the work of each. As the faith and unity and love of the church grow stronger, their circle of influence enlarges, and ever they are to reach to the farthest limit of this influence constantly extending the triumphs of the cross.
God calls upon us to break the bands of our precise, indoor service. The message of the gospel is to be borne to the world. We are to call upon all to rally around the banner of the cross. When this work is done as it should be, when with divine zeal we labor to add converts to the truth, God will greatly bless our efforts. The unity of the believers will bear testimony to the power of the truth that can bring into perfect harmony men of different dispositions, making their interests one.
The prayers and offerings of God’s people will be combined with earnest, self-sacrificing effort. Men will be converted anew. The hand that once grasped for recompense in higher wages will become the helping hand of God. The believers will be united by one interest,—the desire to make centers of truth where God shall be exalted. Christ will join them together with holy bonds of union and love—bonds which have irresistible power.
It was for this unity that Jesus prayed just before His trial, standing but a step from the throne. “That they all may be one,” He said, “as thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.”
God calls upon His people, many of whom are but half awake, to arouse, and engage in earnest labor, praying for strength for service. Workers are needed. Receive the Holy Spirit, and your efforts will be successful. Christ’s presence is what gives power. Let all strife and dissension cease. Let love and unity prevail. Let God’s people move under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If they will give themselves wholly to Him, He will restore to them the strength they have lost by division.
Acts 12:1-16
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out hishand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and deliveredhim to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”
12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of hergladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. 15 But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”
16 Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.
In the Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
“The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of God’s people are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for God and for one another.”-Ellen G. White, The Central Advance, Feb. 25, 1903.
John Bunyan once commented, “You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.”
In the Sabbath School Lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
“The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of God’s people are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for God and for one another.”-Ellen G. White, The Central Advance, Feb. 25, 1903.
John Bunyan once commented, “You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.”
In www.cqbiblestudy.org
Testimony A Necessity and a Privilege
Matt. 26:36–42
Tuesday JULY 9
Christ lived a prayerful life even when facing agony on the cross: “ ‘O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.’. . .
“Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world’s Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life.”1
“What a wonder it is that we pray so little!”
“His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer.
“Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little!”2
“There is need of prayer—earnest, prevailing prayer. Our Savior has left precious promises for the truly penitent petitioner. Such shall not seek his face in vain. He has also by his own example taught us the necessity of prayer. Himself the Majesty of Heaven, he often spent all night in communion with his Father. If the world’s Redeemer was not too pure, too wise, or too holy to seek help from God, surely weak, erring mortals have every need of that divine assistance. With penitence and faith, every true Christian will often seek ‘the throne of grace, that he may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ ”3
REACT
1. How can prayer help us obtain a better relationship with God?
2. Why do we need to pray when God already knows what we need?
3. Read Matthew 17:20, 21. In what way can our prayers move mountains?
1. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 693.
2. White, Steps to Christ, p. 94.
3. White, Signs of the Times, January 26, 1882.
Wednesday - Our Freedom
Psalm 78:41-42
41 Yes, again and again they tempted God,And limited the Holy One of Israel.
42 They did not remember His power:
The day when He redeemed them from the enemy,
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 509.
In the Mount With God
“Come up to Me into the mount,” God bids us. To Moses, before he could be God’s instrument in delivering Israel, was appointed the forty years of communion with Him in the mountain solitudes. Before bearing God’s message to Pharaoh, he spoke with the angel in the burning bush. Before receiving God’s law as the representative of His people, he was called into the mount, and beheld His glory. Before executing justice on the idolaters, he was hidden in the cleft of the rock, and the Lord said, “I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee,” “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving-kindness and truth; ... and that will by no means clear the guilty.” Exodus 33:19; 34:6, 7, A.R.V. Before he laid down, with his life, his burden for Israel, God called him to the top of Pisgah and spread out before him the glory of the Promised Land.Before the disciples went forth on their mission, they were called up into the mount with Jesus. Before the power and glory of Pentecost, came the night of communion with the Saviour, the meeting on the mountain in Galilee, the parting scene upon Olivet, with the angel’s promise, and the days of prayer and communion in the upper chamber.
Jesus, when preparing for some great trial or some important work, would resort to the solitude of the mountains and spend the night in prayer to His Father. A night of prayer preceded the ordination of the apostles and the Sermon on the Mount, the transfiguration, the agony of the judgment hall and the cross, and the resurrection glory.
The Privilege of Prayer
We, too, must have times set apart for meditation and prayer and for receiving spiritual refreshing. We do not value the power and efficacy of prayer as we should. Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish. We are seldom, in all respects, placed in the same position twice. We continually have new scenes and new trials to pass through, where past experience cannot be a sufficient guide. We must have the continual light that comes from God.Christ is ever sending messages to those who listen for His voice. On the night of the agony in Gethsemane, the sleeping disciples heard not the voice of Jesus. They had a dim sense of the angels’ presence, but lost the power and glory of the scene. Because of their drowsiness and stupor they failed of receiving the evidence that would have strengthened their souls for the terrible scenes before them. Thus today the very men who most need divine instruction often fail of receiving it, because they do not place themselves in communion with heaven.
The temptations to which we are daily exposed make prayer a necessity. Dangers beset every path. Those who are seeking to rescue others from vice and ruin are especially exposed to temptation. In constant contact with evil, they need a strong hold upon God lest they themselves be corrupted. Short and decisive are the steps that lead men down from high and holy ground to a low level. In a moment decisions may be made that fix one’s condition forever. One failure to overcome leaves the soul unguarded. One evil habit, if not firmly resisted, will strengthen into chains of steel, binding the whole man.
The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of temptation is that they do not set the Lord always before them. When we permit our communion with God to be broken, our defense is departed from us. Not all your good purposes and good intentions will enable you to withstand evil. You must be men and women of prayer. Your petitions must not be faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest, persevering, and constant. It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer.
In the Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
Have you ever wondered why prayer is so vital? Why do we have to ask Him for the Holy Spirit? Isn’t He willing to give the Holy Spirit to us?
The answer to these questions lies in understanding God’s respect for our freedom of choice. He has created us with the ability to make moral choices. God is doing everything He can for us and through us before we pray, but He is limited by our choices (Ps. 78:41, 42).
In prayer we freely acknowledge our total dependency upon God and give Him the freedom to intervene in our lives. The more we pray, the more we acknowledge His all sufficiency. When we pray, His Holy Spirit prepares our heart to receive more of Him. The more we pray, the more we allow the Holy Spirit to “crucify” our sinful desires. In the great controversy between good and evil, prayer enables God to work more powerfully in our lives.
Analyze 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. How would you define the expression, “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God” (NKJV) ? What are these weapons? What kind of warfare is Paul talking about here, and why would he use that kind of imagery? How are we to understand the battle in which we are engaged?
As Seventh-day Adventists, we understand the reality of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. We know that it is real and that we all are involved in it. Left alone, we would be hopeless against Satan. Our only hope is our connection with Jesus, and central to that connection is our prayer life-a spiritual weapon for a spiritual battle, a weapon that none of us can do without. If Jesus needed to pray, how much more so do we?
“We, too, must have times set apart for meditation and prayer and for receiving spiritual refreshing. We do not value the power and efficacy of prayer as we should. Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish.”-Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 509.
In what ways have you experienced in your own life the harsh reality of the great controversy between Christ and Satan? How has prayer aided you in this struggle? Where would you be without it?
In www.cqbiblestudy.org
How–to Heartbeat to Be Physically Alive; Prayer to Be Spiritually Alive
Phil. 4:6
Wednesday JULY 10
Through the ages, we have seen the wonderful results of individual and collective prayer. Despite the billions of people in the world, our heavenly Father listens to and answers each of His children’s supplications. Just as we need to have a heartbeat to stay physically alive, so, too, do we need to have constant communication with God through prayer to stay spiritually alive. Revival and reformation can only be achieved and sustained when it is founded on unceasing and fervent prayer. Though there are no hard-and-fast rules on how to have a successful prayer life, here are some pointers to enhance your conversations with God:God knows no delay because His timing is perfect.
Set a special time to pray, and prioritize it. With the hustle and bustle of life, it is not easy to set aside specific times to pray. We are so easily distracted. Still, we should set our priorities, and praying to God before we start and end our day should be at the top of our list. Even when we wake up in the middle of the night, it is a good time to pray, for then it is quiet and peaceful.
Pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent a Comforter to be with us. However, we receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit only if we earnestly seek and pray for it.
Consider fasting while praying about a serious issue. Fasting helps to clear the mind and focus our attention. It is better to fast during the Sabbath hours because during those hours we are not doing physical labor.
Have faith that God will answer your prayer. It is an exercise in futility if we pray yet do not believe that God will respond to our prayers. While some may think that the answers to their prayers are long overdue, God knows no delay because His timing is perfect. He always responds even if His answer might not be the one we asked for. Always remember that whatever God’s answer is, He always has our best interest in mind.
REACT
1. Is there such a thing as praying for convenience? Explain your answer.
2. Explain the importance of prayer as it pertains to revival and reformation.
Thursday – Effective Prayer
Psalm 34:1
1 His praise shall continually be in my mouth.Psalm 50:23
23 Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;And to him who orders his conduct aright
I will show the salvation of God.”
Psalm 67:3
3 Let the peoples praise You, O God;Let all the peoples praise You.
Psalm 71:6
6 By You I have been upheld from birth;You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.
My praise shall be continually of You.
Daniel 9:8-13
8 “O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. 9 To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him. 10 We have not obeyed the voice of theLORD our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets. 11 Yes, all Israel has transgressed Your law, and has departed so as not to obey Your voice; therefore the curse and the oath written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against Him. 12 And He has confirmed His words, which He spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing upon us a great disaster; for under the whole heaven such has never been done as what has been done to Jerusalem.13 “As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not made our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth.
Ephesians 5:20
20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,Ephesians 6:18
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—Philippians 4:6
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;In the Sabbath School lesson by Mark Finley, www.ssnet.org
The Psalms are particularly inspirational as subject matter for prayer. Try meditating upon a particular psalm during your prayer times. Take one verse at a time. Read it aloud, and then talk to God about what the text is saying to you.
...we start with praise and adoration, thanking God for His goodness to us. We then confess our faults and shortcomings, and then thank God for His forgiveness. We conclude with supplications, making our requests known to Him, all the while seeking an attitude of submission and trust in His divine power.
In www.cqbiblestudy.org
Opinion My Tool, My Weapon, My Only Hope
Acts 1:14
Thursday JULY 11
Prayer is a powerful tool God uses to accomplish great things in our lives. It is our church’s initiative and desire for us to experience revival and reformation. One way to achieve this goal is through earnest, heartfelt prayer.Prayer is a powerful key to success.
Prayer is so vital to our lives. We learn from the Bible that “ ‘whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive’ ” (Matt. 21:22, NKJV). And in 1 John 5:14, we read that “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (NKJV). In what we call the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us how to talk with God and ask for His help in resisting sin (Matt. 6:8–13). Through prayer, we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us make good choices when we are tempted. When we pray, it’s like putting on a full suit of armor.
Prayer, however, is not just our last resort to a way out. When we pray, we are saying that we have hope in our Savior and with our Father in heaven. When there seems to be no other way, pray. When things seem impossible, pray. When you can’t find the answers to your questions, pray. When you want to unload your burdens, pray. Even when you think you don’t know how to pray, you’ll find yourself uttering a sincere desire.
“Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, unuttered or expressed, the motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast.”*
Yes. Prayer is a powerful key to success. It can be one of the most significant assets we have in this life because the power comes from God! The more we pray, the more His power is unleashed. And through His power we are revived and reformed.
* James Montgomery, “Prayer Is the Soul’s Sincere Desire,” http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics /umh492.sht (accessed April 26, 2012).
Friday – Futher Study
Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, pp. 99-101.
There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. We should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul.Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with heaven.
We need to have more distinct views of Jesus and a fuller comprehension of the value of eternal realities. The beauty of holiness is to fill the hearts of God's children; and that this may be accomplished, we should seek for divine disclosures of heavenly things.
Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere. We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun.
Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. "The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James 5:11. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3. The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.
Jesus said, "Ye shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father Himself loveth you." "I have chosen you: . . . that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you." John 16:26, 27; 15:16. But to pray in the name of Jesus is something more than a mere mention of that name at the beginning and the ending of a prayer. It is to pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and work His works.
In www.cqbiblestudy.org
Exploration You Get What You Ask For
1 John 5:14, 15
Friday JULY 12
CONCLUDEPrayer and Bible study are necessary ingredients for revival. It’s important to pray for wisdom, both for ourselves and our church leaders. Like the church of Acts, we need to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s transforming power. Jesus set an example for us by praying that God’s will would be done—and that His disciples’ faith would be strengthened. Praying together with other believers is vital, as well as prioritizing personal prayer time. God has promised to honor prayers that are lifted up to Him in faith.
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